Hart not worried by past World Cup errors

England have had their fair share of goalkeeping disasters at World Cups, but Joe Hart is intent to remain positive should he have a moment like David Seaman or Robert Green.

Joe Hart is prepared.

Credit: PA

The Three Lions crashed out of the 2002 edition at the quarter-final juncture to eventual winners Brazil as Seaman helplessly watched a 42-yard free-kick from Ronaldinho float overhead.

It is an image that will always be associated with the former Arsenal goalkeeper despite a long, successful career, with the same going for Green after fumbling a long-range Clint Dempsey shot in South Africa four years ago.

The howler in England's World Cup opener saw him dropped for the rest of the tournament - a situation Hart witnessed first-hand as third-choice goalkeeper and one which he would be confident of handling should it happen to him.

"Stuff happens," he said. "You've got to be aware of that as a keeper. Incidents happen all the time. We try to move on and be positive.

"You know Greeny made a fantastic save not long after that goal and we ended up qualifying from the group, that was the main thing.

"You have to be positive and look forward. No one is going out there to make mistakes. The likelihood of it happening, you never know. You look to be positive."

The experience of South Africa will no doubt help Hart and a back five in which Glen Johnson is the only other player to have been involved in a World Cup.

The England defence has looked unsteady at times during their three warm-up friendlies, but Hart remains upbeat ahead of their World Cup opener against Italy.

"We have set up well," he said. "We have defended well since Roy's come in, even before that.

"There are some great players to choose from and the main thing is as well as being solid at the back we look dangerous going forward.

"We feel a unit, as well as Gary and Jags the other day Jones and Smalling played.

"Everyone is ready, ready to fill in positions and everyone is looking forward to it."

It is now just a matter of days until England's opening game and one which will see Hart come up against a familiar face, having spent an enthralling two-and-a-half years with Italy striker Mario Balotelli at Manchester City.

"I enjoyed working with Mario," Hart said. "He's a great guy.

"He's obviously a big personality and a talented player. Italy are full of talented players and we've got a lot of work to do on them this week.

"We've had to keep an eye on Peru, Ecuador and Honduras and now we move on to Italy."